Expanding access to services that strengthen families and build communities

Amos House, Providence, Rhode Island

In the state of Rhode Island, Amos House offers the best chance out of homelessness. As Jessica Salter, Director of Development, notes, “There is not a whole lot you could need that you couldn’t find here or access through us.” Amos House serves 15,000 clients a year, addressing their obstacles to employment through a comprehensive range of programs: culinary and carpentry job training; literacy education; credit and savings goals and budgeting; housing, recovery, and social services. The programs are anchored by their 39-year old soup kitchen—the largest in the state. "It was especially nice to work with BCC; because of their extensive work in the nonprofit sector they understood our position. This was a vital piece of funding, without which the project could not have moved forward."

To support its growing catalogue of programs, Amos House is in the process of constructing new headquarters. This new building will increase the capacity for programming—starting with a 20% increase in the dining hall, allowing it to better accommodate the more than 500 people who visit daily for a hot meal. BCC was able to work with Amos House to provide technical assistance and later to bridge a capital campaign, a crucial piece of the financing puzzle, to ensure the project could move forward.

Amos House provides more than programming—it provides community. “There is even an alumni association” Salter continues.” When our graduates need us, there is already a strong relationship. Once you are part of the Amos House family, you are always a part of it.” The community works: “Nationwide, there is a 67% recidivism rate for the unemployed homeless. With our programs, that falls to 10%. That is the single easiest way to measure impact on the communities we serve.”